INFLUENCE OF SIDEWALKS AND RAILINGS ON WHEEL LOAD DISTRIBUTION IN STEEL GIRDER BRIDGES

This paper presents the results of a parametric study showing the influence of typical sidewalks and railings on wheel load distribution as well as on the load-carrying capacity of highway bridges. A typical one-span, two-lane, simply supported, composite steel girder bridge was selected in order to investigate the influence of various parameters such as: span length, girder spacing, sidewalks, and railings. A total of 120 bridges were analyzed using three-dimensional finite-element analysis. AASHTO HS20 design trucks were positioned in both lanes to produce the maximum moments. The finite-element analysis results were also compared with AASHTO wheel load distribution factors. The AASHTO load and resistance factor design (LRFD) wheel load distribution formula correlated conservatively with the finite-element results and all were less than the typical empirical formula (S/5.5). The presence of sidewalks and railings were shown to increase the load-carrying capacity by as much as 30% if they were included in the strength evaluation of highway bridges.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/32947845
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Mabsout, M E
  • Tarhini, K M
  • Frederick, G R
  • Kobrosly, M
• Publication Date: 1997-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 88-96
• Serial:
  • Journal of Bridge Engineering
  • Volume: 2
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1084-0702
  • Serial URL: http://ojps.aip.org/beo

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Girder bridges; Highway bridges; Mathematical models; Metal bridges; Sidewalks; Steel bridges; Wheel loads
• Uncontrolled Terms: Wheel load distribution
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00738550
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 29 1997 12:00AM